Southern Utah University’s Aces program created the Sweet Sixteen challenge to help students stay connected and motivated during the spring semester. The challenge officially launched on March 1 and is open to all currently-enrolled students until March 31.
Students can join by scanning a QR code that enrolls them in a Canvas course specifically built for the competition. Ryan Gagnier and Aiden Richardson, two Aces, spent over a month developing and designing the platform. Once enrolled, participants complete challenges that encourage involvement across campus.
“We’re essentially trying to fight the winter blues,” said Ace Njomi Masumbe. “It’s that period where things are starting to slow down. There’s almost nothing to do, and people are feeling a little depressed. So we’re bringing up school morale.”
For each completed challenge, students submit proof through Canvas and get entered into a drawing. Winners are notified about a week after entering and can then continue on to the next challenge.
“It’s kind of our version of March Madness,” Masumbe said. “After every challenge, you have a chance to win.”
In collaboration with The Flock and the Student Involvement and Leadership Office, SUU Sweet Sixteen will offer more than just 16 prizes. Masumbe provided a list of the confirmed prizes:
- A helicopter flight
- Front-row tickets to the Utah Summer Games
- Lunch with SUU President Mindy Benson
- Casino Night fast-passes
- VIP access to Forever Red
- Utah Shakespeare Festival tickets
- $15 Chick-fil-A vouchers
- Women’s basketball WAC tournament tickets in Las Vegas
- A week-long all-access parking pass
- Courtside basketball tickets
- A free SUU Outdoors San Juan River trip (valued at approximately $150)
- Priority registration for the fall semester
“I thought it was really cool, especially for freshmen,” said Masumbe about the priority registration prize. “(Priority registration) ends right around when freshman registration opens up. So for the freshmen who can win that, lucky.”
When Aces first brainstormed the idea, Masumbe said they expected small participation.
“We thought we would get a maximum of 60 students to sign up,” she said. “The fact that we have 200-plus students here, I’m very excited. It’s going to be so good.”
If you are one of the 200 students already signed up, you are in the running. If not, there is still time to join. Besides, more prizes are expected to be confirmed as the competition continues, so sign up as soon as possible.
The course is now live on Canvas. Scan the QR code, enroll and start completing challenges. After all, it is not every day that a Canvas course gives you the chance to win a helicopter ride.
For more information, check out The Nest on Instagram.
Author: Fanny Felixine
Editor: Payson Davis
Photos courtesy of SUU
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